Brake complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Volvo V70. The contact stated that while traveling 35 MPH, the emergency brake engaged, causing the rear driver side wheel to seize. The vehicle was later towed to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the parking brake failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure and current mileages were 91,000.
Prking brake friction lining delaminates from brake shoe, then gets jammed intermittently in the disk brake system, causing lurching stops. Photo available of the friction lining fragments.others on internet report that fragments have caused enormous wheel damage at highway speeds.
In the summer of 2004 I thought I felt my brakes freeze up, but just thought it was me, thinking "I'm in a year old Volvo, there's no way that could have happened." a few months later it did happen and I took it to the dealership where they replaced the master cylinder. That was 11/19/04. On 2/28/05 I returned the vehicle to the dealership again for the same problem. This time they replaced the master cylinder and booster. Then, the end of April I was getting on the highway going about 50 MPH, and had to apply my brakes, and they froze up and I glided for a few seconds before they released and I was able to push down on them (this is what happened the other times.). Volvo again replaced the mater cylinder and booster (and they told me they replaced another part that had to do with the pumping mechanism (?) "just in case." the car made it 4 1/2 months before it happened again. …
First time, was in a drive through & just took off, hopped the curb, and hit talk box. Next 2 times were stopped quickly by me putting in neutral. Last time was just leaving parking space, and car jumped curb and I stopped 4 ft. From brick wall. Have had it tested 2-3 times by mechanics w/o success.
Volvo, 2001 V70 - VIN [redacted] this specific vehicle is unreliable and unsafe. Since purchased new, car has had multiple system failures leading to various unsafe driving conditions including brake system failure and engine failure (including loss of braking and steering systems). Manufacturer has acknowledged unusual nature of this particular vehicle quality defects - concerned that car must be taken off road to avoid serious crash. Please advise. Updated 07/17/2012
ABS control module failure. I was informed by two dealerships, north pointe Volvo and dyer and dyer Volvo, as well as Volvo professional repair (all located in the atlanta ga area) that this was a common occurrence. Well I experienced this yesterday. The automobiles' ABS no longer is effective when this unit goes bad, leading to dangerous situations. It also leads to stalling, and shifting problems with the transmission which can lead to an accident, and almost caused me to have one yesterday. The part has to be replaced to the tune of nearly $1000.00 I can procure the old part from the service manager. I was informed this was a design flaw as heat causes the deterioration of this module due to its location near the engine.
I am filing this report because of the concern about a potential safety problem with the brakes. The problem is intermittent, has been taken back to the dealer five times, and cannot be resolved. Intermittently when applying the brakes there is a clicking sound and a strong vibration feeling on the brake pedal when braking. This clicking and vibration continues until the car comes to a full stop. Dealer states that this is the ABS and is normal for this car. I don't know if its really the ABS, but the problem happens at least 5-10 times per week under normal driving conditions when the ABS should not activate. This is unnerving for the driver and makes us feel unsafe. There are other complaints on your website with the same symptons, but where the car stalled or the brake pedal locked up. …
I've had numerous electronic problems with my Volvo V70 since I bought it in 1998. The vehicle has been brought back to the Volvo repair dealer for many repairs (I have organized documents of all the repair orders) clearly identified as "lost of power" while driving. Mostly on small roads and only once on an interstate. Originally started under warranty, I was told that the same problem was not covered outside of warranty when I spoke with the president of Volvo north America's secretary. I have had many parts replaced trying to correct the situation including two electronic throttle control units (totaling three if you include the one that came with the car). "loss of power", "stalling at traffic lights", "hesitation when pressing on accelerator", an other comments are all documented in the Volvo repair shop repair orders. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Volvo V70 years have brake problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 1998 (49), 1999 (13), 2001 (10) and 2000 (6) model years. Brake complaints make up 26% of all complaints for the 1998.
Is there a recall for Volvo V70 brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for any Volvo V70 model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Volvo V70 brake problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (35 mentions), followed by the antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › control unit/module (14).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.